The prime days of the duck season will arrive this month; more ducks are harvested in the next few weeks than any other part of the season, as hunters get serious and head to lakes, swamps, marshes, rivers and flooded impoundments filled with corn and millet.
Even though waterfowl are studied throughout the year on the breeding grounds and in the wintering parts of the south, hunters contribute in a big way for duck researchers, providing crucial data, including bird bands.
Beyond harvest statistics, banding provides specific information on migration routes, population estimates and the overall ecology of each species banded and recovered. The breeding-bird survey is often viewed by the chief population estimate, but harvest surveys and banding recovery has a direct impact on the population assessments and bag-limit determination.
Harvest of banded birds is the only way to recover data in the field. As hunters retrieve their winged fare, both legs should be examined closely for the silver, metal jewelry. Generally, most bands are from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; some other bands inscribed with state agencies or even private insignia are possible. Regardless, the bands will have an identifier with a name, band number and usually, a contact number.
Beyond ducks, other species of waterfowl are commonly tagged for biological studies. Larger birds, including geese and swans, will have both neck collars and small metal ringlets around the legs.
When bands are found on the legs or neck of a migratory bird, make sure to examine each bird thoroughly for other types of monitoring devices. Occasionally, some birds are members of telemetry or GPS global tracking projects.
While most hunters enjoy keeping duck bands as trophies, ensure that all bands are reported and collect any unusual characteristics of the harvested birds to be reported to the band-issuing agency or entity.
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